My office is now recommending all DACA grantees apply to renew their deferred action at least 6 months in advance instead of what USCIS recommends. Because immigration has delayed significantly in processing renewal applications.

Several people have had their DACA status expire while waiting for USCIS to decide their cases, despite timely filing for renewal. This delay has caused them to accrue unlawful presence and lose work authorization, some have lost their jobs.

USCIS is aware of the problem, they blame technical difficulties and they are now allowing DACA grantees to file sooner than the previously allowed & recommended 150-120 days. However frustrations still abound, the delays persist.

To make sure that your DACA status is renewed timely and that you do not experience any gaps in your DACA status or work authorization you should renew at least 6 months prior to your expiration date.

If your case is delayed there are several steps you can take to try to get it unstuck. For our clients, we have done the following: we've filed several service requests online and with customer service, we have reached out to our local congressman's office, and our Senator's office, we've elevated cases to USCIS headquarters and sent liaison assistance requests through the American Immigration Attorney's Association.